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Skunkworks II - 1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

Updated: Sep 8

This 1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird kit was introduced by Italeri back in the early 1980s, and then re-offered by Testors a few years later. It is huge and typically recognizable, so will attract attention on the shelf, however the kit needs work.


1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

Notable Kit Features:


  • Simplified kit with relatively few parts

  • Basic cockpit detail

  • Canopies can be positioned open or closed

  • Optional humped 'B' rear canopy provided

  • Basic Engine detail


SR-71 Blackbird

Build Inspiration:


Born out of Lockheed's (Black Project) "Skunk Works" division, the SR-71 was developed as the ultimate reconnaissance aircraft during the 1960s. Another fine example of innovative concepts in aeronautical engineering by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson's team. The SR-71 aircraft were in military service from 1964 - 1998 and to many of us, the SR-71 still looks futuristic today.  I built my Blackbird as "Rapid Rabbit" of the Vietnam era.


1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

Heads-Up Report:


  • This 1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird is a BIG model so you may be surprised at how few parts constitute this build out of the box

  • Detail in the cockpit is fictional (little to none of it can be seen with the canopies closed)

  • Raised panel lines (most of which will be lost in the sanding process to get a decent fit of parts)

  • Most section joins are a problem with gaps and steps of a few mm to be dealt with

  • Injection sprue point in the middle of the upper fuselage will requires clean up

  • Nose fit requires filler & sanding to get a smooth flow

  • Landing gear bays are too shallow and lack detail

  • Tail taper is another area that requires much filler & sanding

  • Engine intake are basic and a bit off shape around the intake cones

  • Engine detail at exhaust is shallow and lacks all but basic detail

  • Decals will be a challenge over the corrugated surfaces


1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

Kit Additions / Modifications:


  • I didn't bother to tackle the deficiencies of this kit at the time of my build. There were many aftermarket parts released to improve the detail on this bird if you want to invest in some after-market upgrades

  • Used after-market decals for my "Rapid Rabbit"


1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

Finishing:


You will be thankful that this 1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird kit will be painted black, helping to hide the overworked seam joins. I used several shades of near-black to achieve the dark finish without being too monotone. The microscale decals ended up doing pretty well in the corrugated sections, over the glossed finish, with some help from a decal softening solution. A dull-coat was the final sealer to get the matte finish on this bird. Weathering was minimal (as was the detailing). Not generally a showstopper of a build, however this kit still gets much attention in The Hangar, due to its futuristic look and overall size.


1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird

The After-Build Report:


For decades, the 1/48th Italeri SR-71A Blackbird was the only game in town for a Blackbird build in this scale. I won't recommend this Italeri kit unless you get it for a real bargain and want to put the extra work into it to get you a Big Blackbird for your collection. Rumours had another 1/48th kit in the makes by Modelcollect (which I haven't seen) and then Revell came through with their new-tool version of the SR-71 in 2022. I have read a few mixed reviews on the Revell release however it has to be an improvement over this kit. Note the Revell kit seems to have been released in two versions, the North American version(?) and the Revell Germany(?) version, which includes a display stand and two complete engines.


Completed build #76 - December 2004 using the 1/48th scale Italeri #815 kit.

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